Zoo Med Vita-Sand Reptile Substrate, Gobi Gold, Calcium-Fortified Ultra-Fine Sand

Zoo Med Vita-Sand in Gobi Gold is a calcium carbonate substrate for desert reptiles, fortified with vitamins and beta carotene.

• Designed to increase calcium delivery in desert reptile species — adds a calcium-focused substrate to their terrarium.
• Ultra-fine grade — helps guard against impaction from substrate overconsumption.
• No artificial colors or color sealers — the Gobi Gold appearance comes without those additions.
• Made in the USA — a clear origin detail when choosing a terrarium substrate.
• Does not contain fat-soluble vitamins — avoids vitamins that can be toxic in large doses.

Zoo Med Vita-Sand is made for desert reptile habitats where keepers want a substrate formulated for calcium delivery as well as a natural-looking Gobi Gold color. Its intended species include several kinds of lizards and desert tortoises, making it relevant for a range of desert reptile terrariums.

Which reptiles is Zoo Med Vita-Sand designed for?

Zoo Med Vita-Sand is intended for bearded dragons, uromastyx lizards, monitors, geckos—including leopard geckos—and desert tortoises. The formula is designed for desert species rather than being presented as a general substrate for every type of reptile. Use the listed species to judge whether its intended application matches your animal’s habitat.

• Suitable species named for this substrate include both lizards and desert tortoises.
• Leopard geckos are included among the geckos it is intended for.

How is this substrate fortified?

Zoo Med Vita-Sand combines calcium carbonate with added vitamins and beta carotene. The formula is intended to increase calcium delivery in desert reptile species, while the vitamin fortification excludes fat-soluble vitamins because those can be toxic in large doses.

• Calcium carbonate is the substrate material.
• Vitamins and beta carotene are included in the fortification.

What does the ultra-fine grade mean for use?

Zoo Med Vita-Sand has an ultra-fine grade intended to help prevent impaction from overconsumption. This is a specific feature of the substrate for keepers considering the possibility of a reptile ingesting its terrarium material; it is not a claim that ingestion cannot occur.

• The grade is described as ultra-fine.
• The stated purpose is to help prevent impaction associated with overconsumption.

How does the Gobi Gold color get its appearance?

Zoo Med Vita-Sand in Gobi Gold contains no artificial colors or color sealers. The color name identifies this version of the sand, while the formula’s stated ingredients and fortification remain focused on calcium carbonate, vitamins, and beta carotene.

• Gobi Gold is the color variant.
• No artificial color or color sealer is added.

Zoo Med Vita-Sand is suited to keepers of the named desert reptiles who want a calcium carbonate substrate with vitamin and beta carotene fortification, an ultra-fine grade, and a Gobi Gold appearance. It is intended for desert species, including the listed lizards, geckos, and tortoises. Its material, fortification, and stated species make its purpose clear for a desert reptile terrarium.

Ingredients

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Read our guide: Reptile health basics: calcium, UVB, mites and hygiene